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Plan for Philip Samuelsson was just a short-term visit in WBS

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Got a few emails this morning from readers asking about why 2009 second round pick Philip Samuelsson was released from his amateur contract. So I figured I’d post an update.

First thing Philip is not joining his Dad in the Swedish Elite League.

The plan for Philip (under the amateur contract) I’m told was always just a short term visit to get a feel for things. He was not scheduled to play for Wilkes Barre and will go back and finish school before joining the organization next fall.

Samuelsson’s entry level contract will begin next season.

Samuelsson who developed tremendously in two years at Boston College, is arguably the No. 2 or No. 3 defenseman in the Penguins system behind 2009 1st round pick Simon Despres.

Most observers have him rated No. 2 in front of Robert Bortuzzo whose another excellent prospect in the system.

A timetable to the NHL inside the organization is not yet established. He will spend at least a full season in Wilkes Barre.

Scouts have called him Boston College’s best defensive defenseman this past season and he has great defensive instincts inside the defensive zone.

Wilkes Barre also figures to have top prospect Simon Despres on their blueline next fall.

Trade Buzz: Thursday’s 1-for-1 trade of young underperforming players saw the Minnesota Wild acquire center Victor Rask from the Carolina Hurricanes for left winger Nino Niederreiter. Carolina did an excellent job of being able to get out of the Rask contract, who has three years remaining with a $4 million cap hit. Rask has 1 goal, 5 assists on the season, mirrored in a 22-game goal drought. The logic here for Minnesota is taking the chance on a playmaking center who can help fill a top-9 spot longer term if the Wild move on from Eric Staal. Minnesota is also playing the card that a change of scenery will benefit the 24-year old who posted a career-high 21 goals, 48 points in 2015-2016.

Niederreiter’s trade value was stunted because of his contract, where he has three years left on his deal with a $5.25 million cap hit. Niederreiter is a player who is extremely hard to play against, drives possession well, and has three 20 goal seasons over his last four full seasons. Injuries (18 goals in 63 games) kept him from a 4th straight 20-goal season in 17-18. The Niederreiter acquisition also sets up as great insurance for the Hurricanes if they can’t resign Micheal Ferland. In the short-term, Carolina’s center situation is a mess with Jordan Staal sidelined with a concussion, but they’re getting the better player who fits the identity they’re trying to establish upfront, especially on the wings where they’ve identified the need for Patric Hornqvist type players.